[TriLUG] New Vista laptop needs Linux - booting in store

[Steve Litt]

Also, there's the simple fact that if you're about to plunk down $700 of your 
hard earned cash, you don't want to take the manufacturer's word for it, you 
want to PROVE it.

On Thursday 18 December 2008 08:25:25 am Michael Kimsal wrote:
> "Oh, you can't just expect wireless to work because it says BigCo XPJ59
> wireless inside!  You've got XPJ59 rev E, which
> was manufactured in Taiwan from Jun thru Aug - no drivers for
> that work.  The drivers only for for XPJ59 chipset revision A, B and D.
> You have to check your hardware before you buy!"
> (from someone on a linux irc room when I asked for wireless help)
>
> "Just because the box and label say 'nvidia' chipset inside
> doesn't mean it'll actually *come* with that inside.  You'll still
> get Windows drivers for whatever that particular machine is shipped
> with, so no problems!"
> (from best buy manager)
>
> These have been just a few of my experiences when dealing with laptops.
> Mislabeled parts and unknown wireless chipset revisions have bit me
> more than twice.  Building your own desktop is one thing, but laptops
> are a different story.  Even on the building desktop thing, though,
> it's can be tough.
>
> Additionally, going to a store and looking at the models, there's no
> resource that'll tell you if the distro you want to use will work
> with that laptop.  *Usually* by the time something is published
> saying "distro X works with laptop Y", laptop Y isn't for sale
> in retail stores - the model is bumped up.
>
> A friend of mine and I each had Compaq Presarios - I had a V5000
> and I think his was a V5005 - vastly different insides, diff wireless
> chipsets
> and graphics cards, specifically.  Bought just a few months apart,
> and look very similar, but totally different beasts under the hood as
> far as Linux is concerned.  And trying to get "specs" on that stuff
> when it first comes out is tough beyond getting the screen size, drive
> size, and RAM.
>
> On Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 8:11 AM, Brian Phelps <brphelps at ieee.org> wrote:
> > Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but if you just check the specs 1st you
> > don't have to attempt booting a live cd in store.  If it has a supported
> > wifi and graphics card you're good to go.  Usually this means intel
> > graphics and intel wireless cards.
> >
> > That said, I have yet to ask permission before doing so at a Best Buy.
> >  They
> > usually don't notice.  Just don't act suspicious.  If you get caught play
> > stupid.  Say "I wondered how you got the windows to look so weird"
>
> --
> Michael Kimsal
> http://michaelkimsal.com
> 919.827.4724 - Skype
> 919.455.8488 - Cell